ESSENTIAL HAWAII
PEARL HARBOR AT 85, HISTORY & CULTURE
Dec. 2-8, 2026
Overview
ESSENTIAL HAWAII: PEARL HARBOR AT 85, HISTORY & CULTURE
December 2-8, 2026
Eighty-five years ago, in December 1941, the United States was pulled into the largest and most destructive war in human history. In the end, the allies triumphed over the fascism of Germany, Italy and Japan. The latter nation, by attacking the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, ensured a titanic struggle for mastery of the vast ocean and its periphery would be waged to the end.
This will be the last major opportunity to mingle with veterans of the Greatest Generation, especially those who are Pearl Harbor survivors (an 18-year old in December 1941 will be 103 today, while one from 1945 will be 99!). This Pearl Harbor guided tour will take us to the island of Oahu in Hawaii to examine the beginnings of America’s involvement in the great struggle. We will visit two ships, lying end-to-end, that encapsulate the war – the USS Arizona, under its memorial, where the war began that terrible Sunday morning, and the USS Missouri, on whose decks the allies accepted complete Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. We will also see numerous other sites of the war, from ships, submarines and aircraft to Army garrisons and mountain observation points. We will attend several significant WWII remembrance events throughout the week and incorporate them into the itinerary as the schedule is announced.
In addition to the Pearl Harbor tour, we will also visit many places associated with Hawaiian history from its founding as a kingdom under Kamehameha through American whaling and missionary arrivals and on to the US agricultural and financial interests that led to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893 and the annexation of Hawaii as a US territory in 1898. The incredible story of this civilizational intersection will unfold as we visit critical sites.
Finally, no visit to this beautiful, sun-splashed island would be complete without visits to its gorgeous beaches and small towns for optional snorkeling, swimming, diving, hiking, golfing and just relaxing. From our spectacular Waikiki beachfront base at the beautiful and historic Moana Surfrider Hotel, we will spend a week in paradise and come away far richer for the experience!
The itinerary remains subject to minor change as the 85th Commemoration committee has not yet announced initial activities and celebrations. We will continue to add events to the itinerary as they become available. We expect commemorations at numerous military sites, including Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield in addition to the national commemoration on the 7th at Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier.
Inclusions
- Seven days and six nights of in-depth guided tours.
- Full-time professional historian.
- All breakfasts; lunches and dinners as per itinerary.
- All museum and other entrance fees per itinerary.
- Daily transportation on luxury bus with driver.
- Full-time tour director for personalized support.
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Hawaii.
- Airport transfers.
- Alcohol, unless specifically included in the itinerary.
Pricing
Rates
Our rates are based on double occupancy:
- Double Occupancy: $7,950 per person ($15,900 total)
- Single Occupancy: $8,750 per person (includes $800 supplemental fee)
Deposit and Final Payment
- There is a $1,000 per person deposit required to confirm booking.
- Final payment is due 90 days prior to start of expedition.
- See Terms & Conditions here.
your expedition leaders
Dr. Brian DeToy
Sheryl Rankin Shafer
your expedition support
Jonathan Fursman
Claire Fursman
WWII PAcifc expedition dates
$7,950 per person
